Reporting abuse in Bristol County: How does it work?

It’s a process that starts with something no one wants to hear, the revelation of a young boy or girl being sexually abused.

But what happens once that child has gained the courage to speak up? This is how part of the system works in Bristol County.

• Once an alleged victim makes a complaint to law enforcement, agencies such as the Department of Children and Families, a school guidance counselor or other person at the Bristol County Child Advocacy Center is contacted and becomes the coordinating entity at the outset of the investigative process.

• The victim and, in most cases, a nonoffender guardian will go to the CAC, where they will first be made comfortable in a waiting room filled with games, coloring books and comfortable seating. This time will also serve as an opportunity to explain the process.

“They’re dealing with so much we try to make this the best experience possible,” CAC Executive Director Michelle Loranger said.

• The victim will then participate in a forensic interview. As that interview is taking place, law enforcement officials and others associated with the process — which could include representatives from DCF, the district attorney’s office and CAC staff — are watching on a closed-circuit television. An earpiece in the interviewer’s ear allows for those present to provide follow-up questions to the interviewer. Interviews can last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.

“It’s so individualized,” Loranger said.

• As the interview is taking place, members of the CAC staff, including a mental health services professional, meet with the guardian to conduct an informal assessment and determine if there is any additional assistance needed, from locating new housing to obtaining referrals for health services. The guardian does not watch the interview as it is taking place.

“What ever it is they need, we get them connected,” Loranger said.

• Once the interview is over, a meeting is held with the guardian to discuss the next steps. During that meeting, a representative from DCF could explain the home visit process, a health care provider will offer recommendations including medical services and will offer to contact the child’s pediatrician or primary care provider to explain what has happened. An on-site medical exam from the CAC’s pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner is also offered to the victim. For victims ages 3 to 6, that decision is often made in consultation with the guardian.

“We want them to feel that their bodies are whole,” Loranger said.

• In all, the process takes about 90 minutes to two hours.

“The disclosure of sexual abuse is a process,” Loranger said.

• Once the meeting is completed the CAC’s role is not done. They will follow up with the guardian about six to eight weeks after the interview session to make sure they have been connected with the services they need or to answer any questions.

“We feel strongly we need to do the legwork with this, many families are feeling blown apart,” Loranger said.